Cheap! Cheap! (or in some cases, Free!)

Wouldn't be me if I didn't offer some sweet advice on finding fun for less. Here are 10 things you can do in the Chicago area for free or next to nothing this summer.

1. Hang out on the Museum Campus: The major Chicago museums offer family fun for free from time to time over the year. Going on one of these days is well worth the trip, when free general admission means extra cash to spend on some of the additional features you may usually skip.
Shedd Aquarium Adler Planetarium Field Museum
Museum of Science & Industry
The Art Institute of Chicago Chicago Children's Museum

2. Go to the Zoo: The Lincoln Park Zoo is always free. Pack a lunch and picnic in the park, or grab a bite in their cafe. Either way, it's a great day in the city for less.
Lincoln Park Zoo

3. Catch a Flick: The big theaters around the burbs have started to show kids movies at a super low rate on early weekday mornings. Some are older, but you are also apt to find a newer title in some of the bigger movie complexes. Check out this link for details and theaters in your area:
2009 Free Movie List

4. Move to the Beat: Summerfest in Milwaukee is one of the biggest music festivals in the country. Even better, they offer free and discounted admission nearly every day. If Milwaukee is too far, you can always go to one of the free Chicago music festivals.
Summerfest Chicago Music Festivals

5. Visit a Town Fest: Nearly every little town out here in the burbs hosts it's own mini festival to celebrate the summer, most with a free parade to kick it off. Check you local government website for info or try this site for suburban happenings:
Suburban Fests & Fairs

6. Go to the County Fair: This is the first year for the Lake County Fair at it's new location. With all of the new amenities, it is sure to please all ages. To save a bit of cash they also offer wristbands for unlimited rides during the week.
2009 Lake County Fair

7. Try the Taste: The Taste of Chicago gets a bad rap for its long lines and pricey tickets, but it doesn't have to be that way. If you pre-buy your tickets at Dominick's and go for lunch during the week you will save money and enjoy the food without the crowds.
Taste of Chicago

8. Go Green: Farmers Markets are everywhere and you'd be surprised at what they offer. Aside from lovely local produce, you can purchase an array of items to eat, crafts, and even catch a street performer. The best part, it's always free to browse.
Suburban Farmers Markets

9. Take the Scenic Route: I can't say much for other counties, but I can tell you with some certainty that Lake County has some beautiful forest preserves. Each location offers a wide array of beautiful trails, fishing spots, and parks. Or, if you'd prefer some summer ed for your kiddos, take them out to the Discovery Museum. Their Prehistoric Lake County exhibit is on the top of our list this summer.
Lake County Forest Preserve Lake County Discovery Museum

10. Smell the Flowers: Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden is always free, you only need to purchase parking. The lush gardens and beautiful trails are sure to please people of all ages. It is a gorgeous day trip and certainly worth seeing if you've never been before.
Chicago Botanic Garden

There is so much to do this summer & it does not need to cost a lot.

My fave is hitting Chicago and it's beautiful parks & fests, to wander around there is free and with public transit it doesn't have to cost a fortune in gas either. Try this site to create your own perfect Chicago afternoon: Explore Chicago

If you're up to spending the extra dough, try some of the other 'fests' in Milwaukee. I brag about Germanfest every year, but they offer more than just that on the Summerfest grounds. This site great guide to all Milwaukee festivals: OnMilwuakee

ENJOY!

( thanks to my SIL, Lisa, for inspiring this...she knows I love this stuff!)